SAAC Continues To Spread Community Cheer

Northridge, Calif. - Matador student-athletes have achieved great success on the playing field with numerous league and national championships, and graduation rates that continue to climb each year.

But student-athletes at Cal State Northridge do more than play games and reach their goal for a diploma in the classroom.

Cal State Northridge student-athletes are also an integral part of the San Fernando community. Through SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council), these student-athletes promote an excellent relationship between students, faculty and staff through community awareness and communication throughout the San Fernando area.

The list of community activities for CSUN student-athletes in recent years has included an Adopt-A-School Partner program, the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort, the National Walk-To-School at Chase Elementary School, the Men's March to End Violence, and Alcohol Awareness Week.

Recently, several CSUN student-athletes, who are a part of SAAC, displayed their community spirit with those less fortunate during the Christmas season. SAAC spearheaded efforts to be a part of the Adopt-A- Family through the M.E.N.D. Program (Meeting Every Need with Dignity). M.E.N.D. supports families in need throughout the year. During the holidays, M.E.N.D. puts organizations in contact with families that may not otherwise have a memorable holiday. During the recent holidays, SAAC was able to fund raise over more than $1,300 for a deserving family in the San Fernando Valley.

"Being a part of the Adopt-A-Family experience was very eye opening for me," said Lauren McAllen, a member of SAAC. "It was great to meet the family and to interact one-on-one with the children and find out what they really wanted for Christmas. When we came back with all the presents, all of the children's eyes were so wide open with excitement. It was a blessing to be there and experience that with them. I wish we could have been there when they children opened their presents to see their reactions."

Throughout this year (2011), SAAC and the CSUN athletic department will continue to extend its warmth to the nearby community.

Have a great 2011.

Matador Memo ...
SAAC members also offer input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on the NCAA member institution campuses not only at Cal State Northridge but also at other colleges and universities across the United States ... Brooke Doane (women's tennis) and Sherrina Lofton (track & field) are serving as co-presidents for SAAC at Cal State Northridge this year.